In 1994 Pam Bryer was hired as the first executive director for the Maternal and Child Health Consortium.

“When I was offered the position, I remember telling my husband I had this great opportunity to make a difference,” said Bryer. “‘There’s just one problem, there’s not any money to do it.’”

Almost 20 years after Bryer’s start, MCHC has grown from a staff of one to a staff of nearly 40. The organization was founded to ensure that all pregnant women in Chester County have access to health care and are able to deliver healthy babies. This month Bryer is retiring from her position and last month at the consortium’s annual luncheon, the community honored her and the work that she has done.

“In every bone in her body, in every cell in very DNA, Pam has dedicated herself to addressing healthcare inequality and how that inequality impacts the most vulnerable among us – babies, children, young and poor mothers,” said Frances Sheehan, president and CEO of Brandywine Health Foundation, in her remarks at the luncheon.

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Bryer received a citation from the Chester County board of commissioners, one from the state Senate and another from the state House of Representatives.

“It is such a gift to have so many people that I love in the room at the same time. All of you have been an important part of this collaborative work,” said Bryer in her remarks at the event.

Bryer’s last day as executive director will be Oct. 21, and Monique Howard’s first day as CEO will be Oct. 22 – the board decided to change Bryer’s successor’s title. Howard was executive director of the New Jersey Women and AIDS Network. She holds a master’s degree in public health and a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania.

While Bryer’s retirement is effective this month, she will continue with the organization until Dec. 21 as the senior adviser.

“I don’t consider it retiring period, but I do see it as retiring form my position at MCHC,” said Bryer.

Bryer said she decided to retire because she felt the staff was ready to take on new challenges and she was ready to pursue new opportunities. She has loved developing the staff as future leaders and believes they will continue to help the organization grow.

“It’s been extremely gratifying for me to see staff grow and see (them) advance to higher positions in the organization,” said Bryer. “We have a very strong commitment in growing the leadership of our staff.”

As for Bryer’s next step, she will be doing strategic consulting for foundations and nonprofits, although she’s not sure of the specifics yet.

“I’m looking forward to that,” she said. It “really continues what I enjoy so much, which is increasing the strength of our nonprofit sector.”

Bryer said she will always be a donor, a volunteer and one of the strongest supporters for MCHC. And her experience with the organization has been an influential one.

“One thing that’s been really powerful for me is the impact we can make out our own community,” said Bryer. “It’s not about one doing the work; it’s about a group of women working collectively with their eyes set on the same goal.”